BBBS Annual Holiday Party ~ 2017

Our Annual BBBS Holiday Party was a success. Enjoy scenes from the party for our Littles, Bigs, volunteers, and families! Oh, and — of course — featuring our special guests…Santa & Mrs. Claus! Fun was had by all. Lots of games including basketball, hot cocoa reindeers, and cookie decorating. The 2017 Annual Awards honored a special group of people who made a difference to our agency.

COUL Little of the Year – Little Sister Reeyana

Our COUL Kid of the Year attends almost every COUL activity. While there she interacts positively with her peers and the COUL Bigs, and is beyond polite to everyone she comes across. Little Sister Reeyana (left) was presented the award by Youth Activities Coordinator Brianna Reading.

TEEN of the Year – Little Brother Angel

Instead of asking for anything for himself, our Teen of the Year asked that he receive pet toys or a gift card that he could donate to the Berks Humane Society. This is just one reason why Little Brother Angel (right) was named our Teen of the Year. Administrative Assistant Tracy Donoff presented him with the award.

COUL Big of the Year- Deb and Chip Lambdin

COUL Big of the Year award actually went to two of our group mentors who have one above and beyond for our COUL program. YAC Brianna Reading says Deb (left) and Chip (right) Lambdin are very hands-on, very outgoing, and very encouraging for our Littles. In further describing them, Brianna said, “They have hearts made of pure gold.”

Corporate Sponsor of the Year – FirstEnergy/ Met Ed

Our newest staff member (Casework Manager Janet Ortiz – pictured left) presented our Corporate Sponsor of the Year award to — left to right — Doug Myers (who is also a Board member), Karen Baxter, and Terry Gillman representing FirstEnergy/Met Ed. The company has been a long-time supporter of our agency, but stepped up its commitment this year during Bowl For Kids’ Sake and our Carriage House Capital Campaign.

Community Sponsor of the Year – Leadership Berks

Our intentions to turn the Carriage House into an activities center will be a reality next year, and the whole thing got started with a group who conducted a feasibility study on our behalf. That group was a team from our Community Sponsor of the Year, Leadership Berks. From left to right, they are: Sean Devine, Britt Kobularcik, Toni Eckert (front – Director of Leadership Berks), and Kris Leaman. Casework Manager Allison Shollenberger (right) presented the award.

Community Champion of the Year – Brian Savage

Check out our new website and you will see a vibrant, stylish, up-to-date look to our “on-line face.” Our Community Champion of the Year Brian Savage spearheaded that effort and continues to donate countless hours ensuring that our website continues to shine! Program Administrator Bethany Redmond-Baez presented the award to Brian.

Match of the year – Big Sister Brittany and Little Brother Hunter

Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters have helped our Littles get through the rough times, learn & experience new things, and flourish…and BS Brittany — who with LB Hunter is our 2017 Match of the Year — is a shining example of that. Together, LB Hunter and BS Brittany have started a garden, spent some time with the animals on a family farm, and even started a daily journal so they can better remember their time together. Hunter’s mom described BS Brittany as a “god-send” — helping LB Hunter transform into a fine, young gentleman. Their Casework Manager Kalyn Frobese (right) presented BS Britanny and LB Hunter with their 2017 Match of the Year awards.

Volunteer of the Year – Jason Hornberger

Our David Hyman Volunteer of the Year award recipient started out as a COUL Big, spent some time as a matched One-To-One volunteer, and as an adult adviser to the Teen Executive Committee…but that wasn’t enough. Our Volunteer of the Year has been a member of our Board of Directors, including a two-year term as Board President…but that wasn’t enough. His latest endeavor — chair of our Carriage House Capital Campaign — meant long hours of preparations, countless phone calls and meetings, and more…and his efforts led to a successful push to raise $250,000 for the Carriage House renovation project. Our David Hyman Volunteer of the Year award went to Jason Hornberger (left). Executive Director Jim Smith presented him with the award.